India’s former captain, Rohit Sharma, has been appointed the tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. This prestigious role celebrates Sharma’s storied career and enduring influence as one of the format’s most decorated players, just months after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title.
The appointment, announced by the ICC, recognizes Rohit Sharma’s significant legacy in T20 International cricket. He is one of the very few players to have been part of two T20 World Cup-winning squads: the historic inaugural tournament in 2007 and the triumphant 2024 edition, where he captained India to end an 11-year wait for an ICC title.
A T20 Legend’s Legacy
Rohit’s T20I career statistics place him among the format’s elite:
- Total Runs: 4,231 runs
- Average: 32.01
- Strike-Rate: 140.89
His contributions to India’s T20 World Cup victories highlight his ability to perform on the biggest stage:
- 2007 Campaign: Sharma debuted with a spectacular performance, accumulating 88 runs without being dismissed, including an unbeaten 50 against South Africa and a crucial 30* in the final against Pakistan.
- 2024 Captaincy: His leadership and batting excellence were symbolic of the 2024 campaign, where he scored 257 runs at a striking strike-rate of 156.70. Notable innings included a blistering 92 off 41 balls against Australia and a composed 57 off 39 in the semi-final against England. He announced his retirement from T20Is shortly after securing the championship.
Speaking on his new role, Rohit expressed his delight: “It is great to have the tournament back in India and for me to be associated once again with the tournament, this time in a new capacity as the Brand Ambassador. I wish all the players the very best and hope they have a memorable time and enjoy India’s hospitality while taking back a lot of memories.”
As preparations intensify for the 2026 edition, Rohit’s presence as ambassador brings a familiar and celebrated face to an event that remains one of cricket’s most anticipated global spectacles.
Key Highlights:
- Rohit Sharma has been appointed the tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
- The appointment celebrates his iconic T20I career, which includes being part of two T20 World Cup-winning squads (2007 and 2024, the latter as captain) and accumulating 4,231 runs at a strike-rate of 140.89.
- In his final T20I tournament in 2024, he led India to victory by scoring 257 runs at a strike-rate of 156.70, with key innings like 92 off 41 balls against Australia.
- Sharma stated it was “great to have the tournament back in India” and expressed his best wishes to the competing players in his new capacity as Brand Ambassador.